Patriots

[jansder]

Can they be beat this year? I think they can since they got very lucky against a Raven's team who has a strong defense and kind of a weaker offense. I think the key to beating them is not to try and outscore them but to get in Brady's face. Anyone else think so?

[.Godspeed.]

Can they be beat this year? I think they can since they got very lucky against a Raven's team who has a strong defense and kind of a weaker offense. I think the key to beating them is not to try and outscore them but to get in Brady's face. Anyone else think so?Certainly they can be beaten (however, as a point of clarification, the Ravens defense has bled points for most of this season, so their defense hasn't really carried the offense as in years past). For most of this season, many of the Patriots' opponents, be it based on poor defense or solid Patriots offensive line play, have allowed Brady to pose as a statue, comb his hair, and remain non-pressured in the pocket. So, indeed, teams have to get in his grill and pressure. (On a related note, opposing cornerbacks and defensive backs must also be more physical with Randy Moss.)

Though, perhaps most important, for at least two of the teams (NYJ and MIA) on the Patriots' remaining schedlue, their game vs. the Patriots will be their "Super Bowl," so expect these teams to exhibit a lot of heart and a mentality void of defeat. All would certainly love to play spoiler.

It will be an interesting last four weeks.

[dmbfan41]

what i don't like is that the patriots' last game of the season is on the NFL Network.

[jansder]

Certainly they can be beaten (however, as a point of clarification, the Ravens defense has bled points for most of this season, so their defense hasn't really carried the offense as in years past). For most of this season, many of the Patriots' opponents, be it based on poor defense or solid Patriots offensive line play, have allowed Brady to pose as a statue, comb his hair, and remain non-pressured in the pocket. So, indeed, teams have to get in his grill and pressure. (On a related note, opposing cornerbacks and defensive backs must also be more physical with Randy Moss.)

Though, perhaps most important, for at least two of the teams (NYJ and MIA) on the Patriots' remaining schedlue, their game vs. the Patriots will be their "Super Bowl," so expect these teams to exhibit a lot of heart and a mentality void of defeat. All would certainly love to play spoiler.

It will be an interesting last four weeks.


I totally agree with your assumption with the Jets and Dolphins. Correct me if I'm wrong, didn't the Dolphins break someone's undefeated season last year or the year before? This week will be a test thought playing the Steelers. Look for a team not to get intimidated and step up. The Steelers will match up quite well I think. With a steady running game with Willie Parker, look for the Steelers to control the time with the ball. This will keep Brady and their high-powered offense off of the field. Keys to winning for the Steelers: A steady running game needing Willie Parker to run for over a 100 yards and no turnovers.

[.Godspeed.]

Correct me if I'm wrong, didn't the Dolphins break someone's undefeated season last year or the year before?Nice memory -- they ended Da Bears' attempt last season (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=261105003) (<--see link).


Keys to winning for the Steelers: A steady running game needing Willie Parker to run for over a 100 yards and no turnovers.Well, PIT just had one turnover, Parker rushed for 100+, but the final score indicates that the game was far from close. I didn't see it, though.

Three tries left. Oh, and as Chris Berman pointed out on Sportscenter, when NE faces MIA, we may have "history facing history" -- 14-0 facing 0-14.

[.Godspeed.]

what i don't like is that the patriots' last game of the season is on the NFL Network.Didn't know that, though we should wait until after the next two games to confirm whether this will even be a relevant issue.